The implementation of national travel assistance has brought renewed attention to domestic travel.
JAL, which has bases throughout Japan, has been continuously implementing regional revitalization initiatives (currently the “JAL Furusato Project”). In August 2020, flight attendants selected through an internal application process moved to the area and launched the “JAL Furusato Ambassadors” to promote regional initiatives, and in In December of the same year, JAL appointed “JAL hometown supporters,” who are involved in regional revitalization while serving on board. The aim is to develop products and solve regional issues for hometowns and other regions with which they have connections, utilizing the knowledge they have accumulated as flight attendants.
We spoke with Junko Kimura, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in planning a sightseeing train collaboration tour between Ozu City in Ehime Prefecture and JR Shikoku.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Ozu City has realized Japan’s first castle stay in a restored wooden castle keep, and is working to preserve the castle and preserve it for future generations by using the castle, which had previously been the object of viewing. The city is also attracting attention from around the world for its efforts to preserve the townscape while generating revenue by renovating historic residences and townhouses scattered throughout the castle town into hotels and stores.
I am from Ehime Prefecture and my mother’s family lives in Ozu City, so I have been coming here to visit since I was a child. Ozu City is crowded with tourists during the summer with “Ozu-no-Kai” and from spring to fall with strolls through the good old town and stores that have been renovated from historical mansions.
–How are you involved in this effort?
We presented our plan to Mr. JR Shikoku and discussed the details of the plan. JAL hometown support team (cabin attendants) boarded the sightseeing train “Iyonada Monogatari” and proposed collaboration with train attendants.
In addition to organizing tours, we also interact with local residents by creating opportunities to learn about hospitality with the JAL hometown support team, Iyonada Monogatari train attendants, and local residents.
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